Fashion people are no strangers to making old things feel cool again. Whether it's pillbox hats, cigarette pants, leopard print, or any other once-dated trend that's made a recent resurgence in the last few months, sometimes, it's out with the new, in with the old. Case in point? For the third spring in a row, the street style crowd is returning to Onitsuka Tiger sneakers—more specifically, the Japanese brand's now-viral style, the Mexico 66.
They're recognized for their sleek, slim profile and striped leather silhouette, and were created to be tech-focused running shoes for the 1968 Tokyo Olympics, worn by track athletes and sprinting stars competing on the field in the games. While sure, they're comfortable to run around in (or, if you're like me, walk for over 20,000 steps in), fashion people flock to the shoe thanks to its nostalgic, retro style made popular by street style and athletic wear in the '90s. The shoe was made even more popular after Uma Thurman's character wore them in the 2003 Quentin Tarantino film Kill Bill.
Over the decades, more and more of the street style crowd adopted the sneaker. In the last few years, thanks to TikTok, Onitsuka Tiger sneakers have exploded in popularity, with celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Addison Rae, and Kaia Gerber all sporting the retro, sporty silhouette with jeans, miniskirts, and oversize polo shirts.
While we'd classify the post-pandemic sneaker era as dominated by already-popular styles like the Adidas Samba or Stan Smiths, we have to admit: Onitsuka Tiger sneakers are the cooler, edgier cousin for fashion people looking to nod to fashion's sporty, technical roots.
Below, shop the best Onitsuka Tiger sneakers, along with a select edit of other It Sneakers and sneaker trends you'll be seeing everywhere this spring and summer.
Shop Onitsuka Tiger Sneakers
Shop More Spring It Sneakers
Puma Speedcat Sneakers
Adidas Tokyo Sneakers
Suede Sneakers
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